Rainbow of hope raises money for children’s hospice

A Lancashire farmer has built a giant rainbow out of hay bales, to raise money for a children’s hospice.

Derian’s Rainbow was constructed over two days using around 84 round hay bales at Swiftgate Farm in Billinge, Wigan.

The colourful masterpiece is the work of Gemma Crompton, who roped in her whole family to help, including her nine-year-old twin boys Sam and Ben.

Visitors on their daily walks are flocking to the farm to take pictures and are donating to the family’s JustGiving page, which is raising money for Derian House Children’s Hospice.

The charity looks after more than 400 children and young people with life-limiting conditions, helping them to make the most of the time they have.

Donations at the charity have been badly affected by the coronavirus outbreak, with fundraising events due to bring in £250,000 cancelled and charity shops forced to close.

But Gemma and her family hope to help plug the gap by raising £2,000 with the rainbow. They are already well on the way with the total at just over £1,400.

The fundraising drive is part of the charity’s Do it for Derian campaign – encouraging people to use their time in lockdown to raise money for its children. Other supporters have taken part in virtual marathons, done sponsored flips on a trampoline, and even scaled the height of Everest using only their staircase.

Gemma said she hopes the rainbow spreads joy in the community, as well as raising money for the charity.

She said: “Derian House doesn’t just provide care for the child, but also for their parents, siblings and grandparents. Any of us, at any time in our lives, may need this care for a loved one. We decided to try to raise some funds to help keep them doing the amazing work that they are known and loved for.”

And the rainbow is only part of the story – with the family also constructing a scarecrow soap opera alongside, telling the story of coronavirus in scenes that change every day. Daily photographs are posted on the @deriansrainbow Facebook page, with more than 1,000 people following to see the latest instalment.

Sarah Proctor, Community Fundraiser at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Derian’s Rainbow is one of the most visually striking and creative ways of raising money we’ve ever seen – it’s absolutely mind-blowing in its sheer scale and we’re so grateful to Gemma and her family for putting in such a top effort to raise money for our children.

“I hope that not only does this wonderful work of art raise lots of money for Derian House, but also inspires hope in people during lockdown. Thank you so much Gemma, we really appreciate it.”

Rainbow of hope raises money for children's hospice

A Lancashire farmer has built a giant rainbow out of hay bales, to raise money for a children’s hospice.

Derian’s Rainbow was constructed over two days using around 84 round hay bales at Swiftgate Farm in Billinge, Wigan.

The colourful masterpiece is the work of Gemma Crompton, who roped in her whole family to help, including her nine-year-old twin boys Sam and Ben.

Visitors on their daily walks are flocking to the farm to take pictures and are donating to the family’s JustGiving page, which is raising money for Derian House Children’s Hospice.

The charity looks after more than 400 children and young people with life-limiting conditions, helping them to make the most of the time they have.

Donations at the charity have been badly affected by the coronavirus outbreak, with fundraising events due to bring in £250,000 cancelled and charity shops forced to close.

But Gemma and her family hope to help plug the gap by raising £2,000 with the rainbow. They are already well on the way with the total at just over £1,400.

The fundraising drive is part of the charity’s Do it for Derian campaign – encouraging people to use their time in lockdown to raise money for its children. Other supporters have taken part in virtual marathons, done sponsored flips on a trampoline, and even scaled the height of Everest using only their staircase.

Gemma said she hopes the rainbow spreads joy in the community, as well as raising money for the charity.

She said: “Derian House doesn’t just provide care for the child, but also for their parents, siblings and grandparents. Any of us, at any time in our lives, may need this care for a loved one. We decided to try to raise some funds to help keep them doing the amazing work that they are known and loved for.”

And the rainbow is only part of the story – with the family also constructing a scarecrow soap opera alongside, telling the story of coronavirus in scenes that change every day. Daily photographs are posted on the @deriansrainbow Facebook page, with more than 1,000 people following to see the latest instalment.

Sarah Proctor, Community Fundraiser at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Derian’s Rainbow is one of the most visually striking and creative ways of raising money we’ve ever seen – it’s absolutely mind-blowing in its sheer scale and we’re so grateful to Gemma and her family for putting in such a top effort to raise money for our children.

“I hope that not only does this wonderful work of art raise lots of money for Derian House, but also inspires hope in people during lockdown. Thank you so much Gemma, we really appreciate it.”